West Sussex sides hoping for cricket season of success

Middleton CC's class of 2012, who won promotion to Sussex League division two Picture by Kate Shemilt

Published:17:00Friday 03 May 2013

Share this article

May has begun and cricket fans can come out of hibernation for another summer - hopefully one containing lessof the wet stuff than last year’s.

The local cricket season begins this Saturday when Sussex League teams play their opening games, while other leagues get under way a week later.

On this page, we look at our key local teams and their hopes and plans for the coming campaign.

We are looking to expand our local cricket coverage this season so, every Thursday in the Observer, you can expect to see the best of the reports and pictures - from league, village and friendly games - plus fixtures, results and tables.

We’ll also have plenty of the action on this website, where you’ll find a page giving easy links to all the local league standings and stats.

And if you’re a local team not currently included in our coverage, get in touch - email your reports and a team picture to steve.bone@chiobserver.co.uk. Teams sending in regular reports can expect a visit from an Observer photographer at some point during the season.

We ask that all reports are with us by Monday night to guarantee inclusion in that week’s paper.

Now sit back and find out how our top local sides - Chichester, Middleton, Bognor, Stirlands, Pagham, Midhurst, Emsworth, Aldwick and West Wittering - are shaping up for play to begin.

CHICHESTER

Division: Sussex Premier League

Last season: Seventh in premier

Realistic hope for this year: Top five

Captain: Richard Browning

Players in: Ashton Turner, Will Brewster

Players out: Adam Zampa, David Leaver.

Other news: New training facilities built with an inspired facilities grant.

Other news... Matt Warren says: “We’re very much looking forward to having another crack at division two this season. It looks a fairly challenging league on paper and, because of that, our realistic goals for the season are difficult to quantify.

“We want to do better than we did last time, so that means staying up! Once we get beyond that it’s hard to predict what opportunities are available.

“I think five wins got teams relegated last year and seven got sides promoted! We’re excited about having Kieren Jones join us - he’s a young quick from Australia - and with Jamie Thompson back to full fitness (he bowled only one ball last year) as well as Rob Willway and Holly Colvin we believe that the competition for places in our bowling department will be much tougher which can only be a good thing.

“We also have our academy team up and running, so there are encouraging signs already, and a number of younger players have signed up to be a part of what is essentially our third team.”

Other news... John Hooker said: “This season at the Regis Oval is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the past few years.

“Younger players are coming to the fore who will complement and challenge the established players, with all-rounders Mikey Harris, Louis Paul and Joe Ashmore pushing for first-team places.

“Overseas all-rounder Sam Taylor returns for another season from Australia and will team up again with established pacemen Jim Lee and Graham Bush.

“We also welcome back former player Ryan Denyer, who will add a wealth of experience to the team.

“Experienced batsman Phil Harris takes the reins in the second XI with up-and-coming players being given greater opportunities.

“I will continue the captaincy of the Sunday and midweek team, in which junior players will be given a taste of senior cricket.

“The club captain is Oliver Handson.

“Given the upcoming changes in the Sussex League structure, where the top five teams in both west and east divisions maintain their division-three status in 2014, a top-five finish is the aim for this season.

PAGHAM

Division: Sussex div three west

Last season: Sixth in div three west

Realistic hope for this year: With the addition or return of a few quality players, a top-half finish should be more than achievable providing form and fitness remain.

Other news... Tom Atkins says: “Last season, several young players were blooded into the first team. None was more impressive than the young leg spinner Alex Cox, who recorded seasons best figures of four for 23.

“I came second in league for the most runs scored, with Tim Powell coming in just below.

“With a talented crop of youngsters emerging and proven ability of several senior players, Midhurst can look forward to the forthcoming season with great hope.”

EMSWORTH

Division: Hampshire div four south

Last season: 15th in div four south

Realistic hope for this year: To stabilise and finish in the top half of the table, maybe challenging for promotion.

Captain: Mark Martin

Players in: Waiting on a couple of new players to strengthen first team.